=== Natalie Williams re-signs with Indiana Fever ===

Indianapolis, IN (My Sportsbook) - The Indiana Fever announced Friday that the club has re-signed center Natalie Williams after she was recently named the franchise's "core" player.

Williams, who has spent six years in the WNBA, was first acquired by Indiana prior to the 2003 campaign in a trade with San Antonio.

A three-time All-WNBA First Team selection (1999, 2000, 2001), as well as a three-time All-Star (1999, 2000, 2001), Williams has averaged 14.1 points and 8.8 rebounds in her career.

"Re-signing Natalie was a priority for our franchise," chief operating officer and general manager Kelly Krauskopf said. "She is a veteran player who returns strength and experience to our frontline."

Last year, though, Williams, the third overall pick in the 1999 draft, posted a career-low 10.3 points and 6.9 rebounds.

Williams is the leading rebounder in U.S. women's professional basketball history (2,683) and is also the second-leading scorer (4,420).

The 34-year-old Williams, who is the only player in league history to play for both the East and West All-Star teams, becomes the first player signed during the league's free agency period which started on February 1.

Core player designation is allowed only for unrestricted free agents and it gives the player's original team exclusive negotiating rights.